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THEORY GAMES

Module 13


LESSON 1: Dorian Mode – New System Focuses Ear on Chord Extensions
In this video lesson, I take you though my system for practicing the Dorian scale. You may already know the scale, having learned it the traditional way, as the second mode of a major scale, going from the second note of the major scale to the ninth note. While that method does give you the right notes for Dorian, it doesn’t really train the ear to hear the upper extensions of the minor chord contained within the scale. With my system, your ear will be trained to hear the difference between the sound of the 9th, 11th and 13th. This is a really fun system, and in addition to great ear training, it’s also good workout for your technique. If you already know the Dorian scale, you should watch this video to experience the sound of the scale in a new way. If you’ve never learned the Dorain scale, this is the best way to get started! INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 2: The Pencil Trick
In my 20’s, I was transcribing many hours each day. I got tired of putting down the pencil and picking it up again to write a just few more notes. For the sake of efficiency, I just started to hold on to the pencil, even when I was playing the horn. To my surprise, it really helped my technique. Holding the pencil dramatically improved my hand position on the horn. In this lesson, I’ll take you through the process of practicing the “pencil trick,” and also share a few other crazy strategies that I’ve used to getting my fingers in a better position on the horn. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Tritone Substitution Tutorial
In this music theory video, I’ll take you through from the very basic application to of the tritone sub, all the way through the relationship between altered notes on the native V7 chord and extensions of the tritone substitute. PDF extras include scans of the actual sheets I created during the filming of the video lesson. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL

LESSSON 4: Tasting Harmony – Practice Strategies
Many group members have asked me to create a video in which I demonstrate some of my practice techniques for working with the book, Tasting Harmony. In this video, I explain the concept of the book and demonstrate many different ways of working with the play-along tracks. The extras with this video include several pages from the book, some of the exercises from the video, plus the mp3 tracks. ALL LEVELS.

LESSON 5: Road Tips – The E = ?
Greg shows how to keep your mind focused and sharp even when you’re away from the horn. This music theory game involves thinking of the note “E” as different degrees of major scales.

aprox 42 min

Module 14


LESSON 1: The Domino Theory (Chromatic Scale Exercise)
In this video, I share my system for practicing the chromatic scale the full range of the saxophone. This is a fun one, and it will give you very smooth technique, as long as you have the patience to follow step by step, adding one note at a time, as I describe in the lesson. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Diminished Scale in 3rds over a V7b9 Chord
In this video lesson, I show you how to take the diminished scale to the next level, playing it in 3rds over a V7b9 chord. This has a very cool, edgy sound which always reminds me of one of my old teachers, the great Joe Henderson. Although this may sound complex, I really break it down into simple steps in the video. The PDF lesson notes provide a very thorough practice guide for the lesson. INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL

LESSON 3: Major 6th Intervals – Four Directions
In this video lesson, I work with lick #25 from Hip Licks for Saxophone. This is a very cool major 7th lick. I play the lick and then break it down into separate parts, making it very easy to understand. I also share a fun analogy about the importance of developing your musical memory, so that you can compare two musical phrases with very slight differences between the two versions. I also play the lick in twelve keys, descending in half-steps. At the end of the video, I share some advanced concepts for working with the lick. PDF dowload materials include detailed notes and the lick written in all twelve keys. INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL

LESSSON 4: Hip Lick #25 Video Lesson
Many group members have asked me to create a video in which I demonstrate some of my practice techniques for working with the book, Tasting Harmony. In this video, I explain the concept of the book and demonstrate many different ways of working with the play-along tracks. The extras with this video include several pages from the book, some of the exercises from the video, plus the mp3 tracks. ALL LEVELS.

LESSON 5: Road Tips – The A = ?
Greg shows how to keep your mind focused and sharp even when you’re away from the horn. This music theory game involves thinking of the note “A” as different degrees of major scales.

aprox 30 min

Module 16


LESSON 1: Hearing Your Way Down a 7th Chord
This video lesson will help you to improve your ability to play descending chords (7-5-3-1). Many aspiring players have no problem playing ascending chords (1-3-5-7), but playing that same chord backwards (descending) presents a real challenge. In this video, I explain why the descending chords can be more difficult for some players, and I share my unique approach to help you hear your way down the chords. Includes PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL

LESSON 2: 3 Four Contours of 3rds Over a ii / V / I Progression
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to highlight the third of each chord in a ii / V / I progression to create lines with four different contours. These contours have a powerful effect on the type of melodic line you’ll create. This lesson also shares tips for creating rhythmic and melodic variations in your phrases. If you ever feel like you play good notes in your solos, but your phrases are lacking in clarity of direction, this lesson is exactly what you need to take things to the next level. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

LESSON 3: Hip Lick #7 Video Lesson
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to work with Hip Lick #7 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1. This is a ii mi7 – V7 lick. It’s a one-measure lick with a nice seven-to-three voiceleading move included. Very easy to play, and it nails the changes. Includes tips on hearing the roots of the chords while playing the lick, working the lick in 12 keys and creating a nice variation on the lick. PDF lesson notes included. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSSON 4: 4 Note Tape Measure® Scales
In this video, I demonstrate the four note tape measure scales. This is the first four notes of each major scale, played in the cycle. I play the four notes in four directions: 1. Up 2. Down 3. Up/Down 4. Down/Up. I also discuss and demonstrate some different phrasing techniques for the four note scales, as well as playing each grouping twice for a technical workout. Includes PDF Lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.


aprox 37 min

Module 18


LESSON 1: Applying Lower and Upper Neighboring tones to a mi7 Chord
In this video lesson, Greg shares his method for applying lower and upper neighboring tones to a minor seventh chord. This approach provides a simple way to melodically enhance the chord. If you’ve been bored with the same old way of practicing your chord arpeggios, this video lesson will bring new life and energy to your practice sessions. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. With detailed PDF lesson notes for C, Bb, and Eb instruments.

LESSON 2: Coltrane Device – Scales in 3rds with Lower Neighboring Tones
In this video, we explore a great Coltrane device for transforming a common scale pattern in thirds to a very hip jazz phrase by adding lower neighboring tones to the lower notes in the groups of thirds. Very easy to play, and a very high cool factor! INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes PDF lesson notes for C, Bb, Eb Instruments.

LESSON 3: The Cycle
In this video lesson, Greg shares his unique system for teaching the Cycle (also known as “the Circle of 4ths” or “the Circle of 5ths”). Understanding the Cycle is essential for the development of all aspiring musicians. Includes Hip Lick #1 played in the Cycle in 12 keys, plus detailed PDF lesson notes for C, Bb, and Eb instruments. INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED LEVEL.


LESSSON 4: 6 Note Tape Measure® Scales
In this video, Greg plays the six note tape measure® scales in all four directions (up, down, up/down, and down/up). He also discusses and demonstrates some of his own practice strategies, such as playing them high-speed and also playing them very slowly. Includes PDF for C, Bb, and Eb instruments. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Road Tips – The G = ?
Greg shows how to keep your mind focused and sharp even when you’re away from the horn. This music theory game involves thinking of the note “G” as different degrees of major scales.

aprox 46 min

Module 08


LESSON 1: Dressing up a Dominant 7th Arpeggio with enclosure around the 3rd
In this lesson, I’ll show you how to go beyond a basic chord arpeggio by changing the order of the notes, switching from 1-3-5-7 to 1-5-3-7 and then adding an enclosure to the 3rd. Also includes some very cool idiomatic fingerings to fatten up the sound of some notes. PDF includes transription of the exercise in 12 keys. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Diatonic 7th Chords
In this video, I show you how to practice diatonic seventh chords on the piano. This lesson is very important for all musicians, whether they play saxophone or trumpet…the piano is the most complete instrument, harmonically speaking, and practicing chords on the piano really took my hearing (and sax playing) to a new level. This material in this video is essnential for all levels. BEGINNING / INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Chromatic Bebop Scales with alternating starting points
In this video lesson, I show you how to practice the bebop scale from two different starting points–the root from the top, descending, and also from the 3rd, ascending. This pattern has a very smooth sound and it will give you great control of the scale. The transition between the two scales includes an enclosure that sets up the new scale. I’ve also included special tips on sneaking in a breath during a long-phrase, as well as some optional rhythms which can be used for the ascending scale. If you have your basic bebop scale under control (starting from the root and ending on the root), you’re ready for this next step. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSSON 4: Locrian Mode – A new system for learning the scale
In this video, I show you a different approach to learning the Locrian scale. First, I review the traditional way the scale is taught. Next, I show you a different system that has worked well for me. The system involves combining two chords to form the scale. In the second half of the video, I show you a nice iimi7/V7b9/i mi line which nails the changes. Also includes a discussion of the application of the descending Harmonic Minor scale. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Walking and Thinking in Regulated Time – Scales & Fitness
In this video lesson, I share one of my personal practice techniques of walking and practicing my scales in time, coordinated with my footsteps. This is a great way to get your scales and chords together while getting out of the practice room for some exercise and fresh air. When you come back to the horn after this type of work, you’ll be amazed at how easy it feels to play through your scales and chords. I’ve been doing this for many years, and it really works! Have fun with it.

aprox 35 min